Lead In Drinking Water

Fairfax County
Health Department Public Statement

Lead In Drinking Water

Fairfax County Health Department
Addresses Public Health Concerns About Lead

The Fairfax County Health Department is working
with county and regional authorities to stay abreast of concerns about
lead in drinking water. These regional concerns about lead in water have
prompted this opportunity to educate county residents about the role of
public health in minimizing the health consequences of lead
exposure.

Lead exposure can come from many sources. The
Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends children at age 9-months
and at age 2 years be screened for lead exposure. Cases of any child age
15 years or younger with an elevated blood lead level (greater than or
equal to 10 micrograms per deciliter) are reported to VDH for statistical
record keeping. According to 2002 data, 54 cases in Fairfax County were
reported to VDH at an incidence rate of 25.5 per 100,000, which is lower
than Virginia's total incidence rate of 37.4 per 100,000.